Use Automatic Drain Valves to Prevent Sprinkler System from Freezing

In cold climates, underground sprinkler systems can freeze and burst in winter unless the lines are drained or blown free of water. An easy way to drain those irrigation lines is to install automatic drain valves. This is as easy as adding tee-fittings in the lower parts of the sprinkler system. If you live in an area where freezing sprinkler lines can be a problem, automatic drain valves could be the answer.

Two or three automatic drain valves per sprinkler valve are usually recommended in each zone if it branches off in different directions. Auto drains will work in almost all soil types, except maybe clay, and some even have back-flow preventers built in to stop any contamination from getting into the line. A cloth-like filter material usually covers the outside of the auto drain valve to prevent any dirt or debris from getting into the valve.

Because most pressurized water supply lines outside of the house, including those for irrigation lines, are installed below frost level, they are not prone to freezing. But the actual sprinkler lines are usually shallower and have to penetrate the surface, where the soil is typically colder. An automatic drain valve in these lines can help by draining the water down and out of the pipes before it can freeze.

How to Install an Automatic Drain Valve

Here is a quick overview of how to install an automatic drain valve in a sprinkler system:

Turn the sprinkler system off at the valve for the various zones.

Figure out where the low spots are in the line and plan on putting auto drains there. If the sprinkler line branches out in multiple directions, then you will need multiple auto drains to cover the different areas. A minimum of two or three is recommended in each zone to ensure proper drainage.

Dig up the area around the designated spots to expose the sprinkler lines for installing each tee fitting. Most automatic drain valves are 1/2-inch male threaded fittings, but they do come in bigger sizes if needed. Get the proper threaded tees and auto drain valves needed for your application.

Thread each auto-drain valve into the tee before gluing the tee onto the pipe. Using plumber's tape on the threads will make the valve will be easier to remove in the future and will also help seal the joint.

Cut the sprinkler line and install the tee with the attached auto-drain valve. Note: To install the tee, you may need to dig up a fairly large section of pipe to gain the access you need. Installing a tee in a new line is easy, but installing one in an existing sprinkler system can be a challenge. If you have limited room, the job is made easier by using specialty fittings, such as a compression coupling, telescoping coupling or an adapt-a-tee.

Turn the irrigation system on and test the automatic drain valve while the hole is open to make sure the auto drain does its job correctly. Finding a faulty valve is rare but it occasionall8y happens. Power up your sprinkler system, and then shut it off—you should see the auto valve drain once the pressure is off.

Before burying the sprinkler line again, take some measurements and draw a map or add it into your sprinkler planogram, as a reminder of where all of the automatic drain valves are located. It may be years before you service the valves again, so it is a good idea to write the location down on paper. This could save you some unnecessary digging in the future.